A PLAN to boost Ireland’s development of offshore renewable energy has been launched.

Minister Pat Rabbitte He said Ireland has a landmass of around 90,000 square kilometres, but a sea area of around 10 times that size, at 900,000 square kilometres.

“Ireland’s position at the Atlantic edge of the EU gives an almost unparalleled offshore energy resource, with suitable conditions available for the development of the full range of current offshore renewable energy technologies.”

It aims to provide a framework for the sustainable development of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy resources across three key pillars – environmental sustainability, technical feasibility and commercial viability.

Mr Rabbitte said the potential for the sector to be a source of sustainable employment and growth in the green economy has been consistently identified in Government.